Reno-based American Medflight did not immediately respond to email and telephone requests for comment, but President John Burruel said in statement that the company is "mourning the loss" of its crew members and patient.

The plane crashed in the Barrick Gold Corporation's parking lot near a casino and other businesses near Elko Regional Airport and Interstate 80.

Local authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer says nobody on the ground was hurt.

The medical staff members on board the plane have been identified as Yuji Irie, who was the pilot; Tiffany Urresti of Elko, Nev.; and Jake Shepherd of Utah.

The patient has been identified as Edward Clohesey of Spring Creek, Nev.